Mark Roman | Defensive Back

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Beat writer Matt Barrows says there's a "solid chance" that impending unrestricted free agent S Mark Roman will be back with the Niners in 2010.

Roman will be 33 next month and will find that there's not much of a market out there for him. Michael Lewis struggled with concussions and the Niners could use Roman as cheap insurance. Wed, Feb 10, 2010 10:38:00 AM

Though he's been rehabbing regularly at 49ers headquarters, Roman has been a no-show at minicamp activities. The veteran was given permission to shop himself this offseason, but no teams have shown interest. Tue, May 19, 2009 09:02:00 AM

Though he's been rehabbing regularly at 49ers headquarters, Roman has been a no-show at minicamp activities. The veteran was given permission to shop himself this offseason, but no teams have shown interest.

The Niners say they'd take Roman back as a reserve and will not release him. They're unlikely to find a trade partner, however, as Roman is 32 and offers no playmaking ability. He may ultimately have to stay on the roster.

Roman is wearing the defensive headset, so he'll need to play on all three downs. We're speculating, but Goldson could be tried as a replacement for SS Michael Lewis in passing situations. Goldson can cover and Lewis can't.

49ers coach Mike Nolan wouldn't rule out the possibility that FS Mark Roman's starting job is up for grabs.

While Roman is sidelined with a shoulder injury, Dashon Goldson is impressing Nolan with his range and ball-hawking abilities. Goldson will still have to beat out a healthy Roman later this summer, but he's clearly making a strong case for himself.

This will give promising Dashon Goldson a chance to shine at June OTAs. Roman is likely to be ready for training camp and keep his job, but Goldson can make a case for playing time. He offers more upside than Roman.

Mark Roman is expected to remain the 49ers' starting free safety when the regular season begins.

However, the 49ers want more big plays in centerfield. Roman has range, but Dashon Goldson displayed terrific ball skills in minicamps and could push him this summer. Rookie Reggie Smith is staying at corner for now.

The deal, which extends Roman through 2009, was agreed to this winter. It included a $2 million signing bonus. Keith Lewis' contract, signed last week, is worth $2.935 million and saves the Niners $83,333 in cap room.

We'd guess that the money is in the $12-15 million range. Though not a top producer, Roman has become a steady all-around force for the Niners, making the switch to strong safety after being bumped by Green Bay in favor of free-agent bust Marquand Manuel and youngster Nick Collins.

Depth Charts

Rather than test free agency, Hunter will return to a 49ers backfield that will likely lose contract-year starter Frank Gore. Hunter, 26, is a useful third-down and change-of-pace back when healthy. He tore his ACL at the start of 2014 training camp. Hunter tore his Achilles' tendon two years back.